TRAINEE GUIDE - Recruit Training Command - The US Navy

TRAINEE GUIDE A-950-0001
OUTLINE SHEET 1-18-1 (continued)
1 Scan the sea and sky, and report significant
objects and events as a supplement to radar.
Radar cannot detect things such as smoke, flares,
or people in the water.
2 Verify the validity of radar contacts. Radar
sometimes gives false readings.
3 The number of lookouts posted will vary with the
size and type of ship. There could be lookouts:
a Port and starboard on the bridge wing.
b Aft, as close to the ship’s waterline as
possible.
4 A lookout watchstander should immediately report
everything seen and heard to the Officer of the
Deck (OOD) Do NOT delay to get a better look!
a Trash in the water could indicate a ship
has passed.
b Discolored water may indicate the ship is
entering a shoal (shallow water).
(d) Sound-powered telephone talker--Maintains
communication with other watchstanders, such as
lookouts and engineering personnel.
(e) Messenger--Delivers messages, answers telephones, and
carries out other duties assigned by the Officer of
the Deck.
(2) The bridge watch team is responsible, via the OOD, to the
Commanding Officer for the safety and operation of the ship.
d. Quarterdeck watch team
(1) A group of watchstanders that stand by to coordinate the
ship's operation in port, for example:
(a) Officer of the Deck (OOD)--Responsible for the safety,
security, and proper organization of the unit.
(b) Petty Officer of the Watch (POOW)
1 Principle assistant to the OOD.
2 Makes entries in the deck log as directed by the OOD.
(c) Messenger
(2) The quarterdeck watch team ensures the safety and security
of the ship.
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